10 Yorkshire Gardens to visit this summer

Summer is finally here and here at Gorgeous Cottages we are all hoping for lots of sunny days to spend in the garden (preferably with a nice chilled glass of prosecco). If you fancy venturing away from your own garden, whether it is to get some inspiration or just to enjoy some magnificent scenery, here is our gorgeous guide to some of the best gardens in Yorkshire.

Thornton Hall Gardens

The beautiful gardens surrounding the Grade 1 listed Thornton Hall started as a private hobby by current occupier Sue Manners who in 1995 simply wanted a garden for her children to play in.

The gardens are now a beautiful array of flowers and plants and include a wildlife pond and waterfall. This private garden is only open to visitors on selected dates in the year between 11am and 4pm so don’t miss your chance to visit.

RHS Harlow Carr

One of just 4 public gardens run by the Royal Horticultural Society, you will find RHS Harlow Carr on the outskirts of Harrogate. It covers a massive 68 acres so there is plenty to explore with highlights including a Kitchen Garden, Alpine House, Hedgehog Friendly garden and the beautiful Streamside Garden. It is one of the longest examples in the UK which runs the full length of RHS Harlow Carr.

Himalayan Gardens & Sculpture Park

Visiting this hidden treasure is like travelling to an exotic land without leaving Yorkshire! The private garden, owned by Peter and Caroline Roberts, is located in Grewelthorpe near Ripon. It features vibrant flowers, Himalayan plants and a Pagoda all the way from Bali.

Scampston Hall Walled Gardens

This contemporary garden, close to Malton, was designed by acclaimed Dutch gardener Piet Oudolf (who has won Best in Show award at the Chelsea Flower Show) and is a beautiful mix of modern and traditional styles. Highly original it is split into a variety of ‘rooms’ which each have their own style and personality including The Silent Garden, the Serpentine Garden and The Mount (the best place to stand and enjoy the view).

Thorpe Perrow Arboretum

Thorpe Perrow is well worth a visit if you are heading for the Yorkshire Dales and you’ll find the 100-acre arboretum not far from the pretty market town of Bedale. Primarily the work of just one man, Colonel Sir Leonard Rope, the lovely gardens are home to a wide range of plants, shrubs and trees.

Beningborough Hall

Fancy a touch of the continent without having to travel there? Then Beningborough Hall near York is the perfect place to visit. It was originally designed in the 18th century by John Bourchier following his Grand Tour or Europe and you’ll see lots of his Italian inspiration when you visit during the summer with lots of colourful Mediterranean flowers in the Italian border.

Yorkshire Lavender Garden

This garden is dedicated to all things lavender and hundreds of different varieties are grown here. You’ll smell the distinctive aroma as soon as you arrive and there is plenty to see and do with attractions including a unique lavender maze, sensory garden, snakes and ladders (we are pretty sure it is the largest in Yorkshire) and wibbly wobbly way.

Helmsley Walled Garden

The gorgeous little town of Helmsley is home to a 250 year-old Walled Garden which was restored to its former glory around 20 years ago. Situated not far from the historic Helmsley Castle the garden features The Vine House with more than 30 varieties of Victorian vine.

The neighbouring White Garden is a haven of calm while the Hot Border is a riot of bright colours – perfect for a hot summers day.

Millgate House Garden

This hidden treasure is a RHS Partnership garden and has won 1st prize in their annual competition. It was described as ‘a gem’ by the Good Gardens Guide and was featured in Britain’s 30 Best Gardens by Alan Titchmarsh.

This enclosed secret garden of a Georgian Town House B & B in Richmond has been lovingly brought to life over 30 years and the resulting haven is open to the public between April and October.

York Museum Gardens

This tranquil haven of peace is right in the centre of York and is set in the lovely surroundings of the medieval ruins of St. Mary’s Gardens. You can spot 40 species of bird, view an array of flowers and plants and even step inside the oldest working observatory in Yorkshire.

What’s your favourite garden in Yorkshire? Let us know if you have found any hidden treasures of your own and remember to check our website for inspiration. You can contact us on 0844 736 6276 or by email at info@gorgeouscottages.com